Perth Goes For Finals Glory

Perth will miss the services of former international midfielder Liam Miller. Image courtesy of Paul Kane/Getty Images

Perth’s finals hopes looked gone for all money a few weeks back but Glory has responded to new boss Alistair Edwards winning four out of six matches since he took control from Ian Ferguson. That run has Perth on the brink of the top six, and a win here will see the West Australians lining up in the finals series starting next week.

They’ll have to do it without midfielder Travis Dodd who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against Melbourne Victory last weekend. He was set to be a crucial figure against his former team Adelaide United on Saturday night after scoring the 3-2 win over Victory. Former Republic of Ireland international Liam Miller will miss the game due to suspension, while there are injury concerns surrounding star striker Shane Smeltz (face) and Chris Harold (calf).

Adelaide United has little to play for this weekend with fourth place already wrapped up. The Reds had a coaching change earlier this season, too, but Michael Valkanis hasn’t been able to lift his side to the lofty heights it reached earlier this season. United has won just two of its last 10 starts and the Reds have won away from home just once since round 8, although that victory came just three weeks ago when they scored a 2-0 win over Melbourne Heart.

Adelaide hasn’t won in Perth since the end of 2008. You would expect both teams to score in this match given that Glory has conceded at least a goal in each of its last 14 games while the Reds have found the back of the net in 10 of their 12 matches on the road.